Beans Seal Trips

Morston Quay Norfolk NR25 7AA

A narrow channel weaves its way through the salt marshes to link Blakeney harbour with the sea. The channel is only navigable for a few hours at high tide and at low tide, but this is time enough for boat trips out to the shingle spit of Blakeney Point, and to the seal colonies nearby, which consist of both grey and common seals. A family-run company for over 50 years, Beans run daily open boats from both Blakeney quay and Morston quay, lingering near the seals, of which there can be up to 500 at any one time – you can see common seal pups in summer and grey seal pups between November and January, so there's often a good chance of spotting babies. Their trips also drop you off at Blakeney Point itself for a quick scout around and a stroll to the lifeboat house – HQ of the National Trust wardens who look after the Point – or to one of the bird hides, from where you can see the little and arctic terns that come here in summer, not to mention oyster catchers and a host of other birds. Or you can simply bask and splash on the beach or roam around the ample dunes. All in all it's a magical trip, and well worth the money.